Torpedo-tube.



C. LAURENTI.

TORPEDO TUBE.

APPLICATION FILED JAN. 1a, 1916.

' 1,209,729. Patented Dec. 26,1916.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

jwelww" C. LAURENTI.

TORPEDO TUBE.

APPLICATION mu) JAN. '13, 1916-.

1 019,729 Patented Dec. 26, 1916.

2 SHEETS-SHE 2.

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CESAR-E LAURENTI, OF SPEZIA, ITALY, ASSIGNOR TO SGCIETA ANONIIMIA FIAT- SAN GIGB-GIO, 0F SPEZIA, ITALY.

TORPEDO-TUBE;

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, CESARE LAURENTI, of Spezia, Italy a subject of the King of Italy, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in T orpedo-Tubes, of which the following is a full, clear, and exact specification.

The present invention relates to an improvement in torpedo tubes, the purpose of the invention being to render the proceedings incident to the launching of torpedoes more rapid by providing for the control, of the directing mechanism of the torpedo from the exterior of the tube, thereby avoiding the necessity of withdrawing the torpedo from the tube for setting, or changing the setting of its directing mechanism.

A further purpose of the invention is to provide means enabling the same tube to be used for torpedoes of different lengths. The mechanism provides for the operation of the mechanism for operating the directing mechanism of the torpedo, upon torpedoes of different lengths.

Gther features of the invention will be hereinafter set forth.

An embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1 is part of a cross-section of torpedo firing tube B at the location of the small shaft 5 on the torpedo A, the rotation of which shaft 5 regulates the angle of the gyroscope of the torpedo. Fig. 2 is a vertical sectional view of the mechanism shown in Fig. 1. on the line IIII in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a horizontal sectional view (with parts in elevation) on the line lll lll. Fig. 2. Fig. t is a view showing details of the coupling of the rod 2 with other parts of the nism. Figs. 5 and 6 are perspe ti e 2 and 4. Fi 7 is a horizontal sectional view of the adjustable detent mechanism for effecting the proper positionin of torped es (for example. torpedoes of different length) in the launching tube with res ect to the gyroscope setting mechanism. Fig. 8 is a ve tical sectional view on the line VIII VIII. Fig. 7. Fig. 9 is a transversesectional view on the line TX-IX. Fi 7 In said drawin s, letter A desi nates a torpedo havin a means a for operating the directing mechanism of the torpedo. and B designates a torpedo tube. The torpedo tube is provided with mechanism S for operating Specification of Letters Patent.

views of parts of the coupling shown in Figs.

Patented Dec. 26, 1916.

Application filed January 13, 1916. Serial No. 71,977.

the operating mechanism a of the torpedo,

which operates the torpedo directing mechanism. The torpedo tube B is also preferably provided with an adjustable detent mechanism T (Figs. 7 to 9) whereby torpedoes of different length may be located in the torpedo tube in proper position to be operated upon by the mechanism S for operating the directing mechanism of the torpedo.

The mechanism S comprises a key 4 which is adapted to coact with the squared end 8 of the rod 5 of the torpedo directing meehanism. As the rod 5 is usually located on a tapered portion of the torpedo and as th torpedo tube is usually cylindrical throughout. there is a space between the interior wall of the torpedo tube and the end of rod Means are provided for moving the kev 4 into and out of engagement with the end of shaft 5. This means preferably comprises a rod 2 (provided with a handle 8) having a sliding movement and adapted to operate a crank arm 1011which raises and lowers a verticallv sliding shaft 9, to the lower end of which the key 4 is connected. The key 4 is preferably formed in two pieces and united to the vertical shaft 9 by means of a dove-tail joint, the pieces being held in place by means of a circular spring 45". The shaft 9 carrying the key 4 is also capable of being rotated by a rotary movement of the rod 2 and handle 3, the rotation of the shaft 9 being convenientlv effected by means of a worm wheel 9 meshing with a worm wheel 9 splined upon the shaft 9. The worm 9 is fixed upon an extension 2 of a sleeve 2 surrounding the rod 2. The connection between the rod 2 and the sleeve 2*, whereby the rod 2 and sleeve 2- turn together, is preferably made by means of lugs 6. 6, on the rod 2. and grooves or recesses 6 6 in a part fixed to the sleeve 2". as will be hereinafter explained. The connection between the rod 2 and the crank arm 10-1l, whereby the crank arm 10.1.1 is rocked to raise and lower the shaft 9 carrying the key 4, preferably comprises a pair of collars 2. loose on the rod 2. The collars 2' have projecting lugs 2 thereon adapted to project through a slot 2 in the sleeve 2". On turning the rod 2. rod 2 turns in the collars 2, 2 without turning the collars. Between the lugs 2 and surrounding the sleeve 2". there is arranged a ring 2 having studs 2 thereon adapted to engage between the forked ends 11 of the arm 11 of the crank arm 101l. By this arrangement of the ring 2* and shouldered collars 2, the rod 2, bya sliding movement thereof, rocks the crank arm l-ll. The arrangement also permits of the rod 2 and sleeve 2 being turned while the connection is maintained with the crank arm -11.

In order that the socket in the key 4 may register with'the squared end 8 of'the shaft 5 of the mechanism a of the torpedo, the rod 2 is provided with suitable data for indicatistry of the said parts.

key 4 is turned by ing a precise position corresponding to reg- This data may be one or more lines L upon the rod 2. hen the lines L are ina horizontal plane or are opposite a suitable-index, it is known that thevkey 4 is in a position to engage the end .8 of the shaft 5 when the key is lowered. When the rod 2 is in position to bring the key 4 in position to register with the end S of-theshaft 5, as just-explained, the handle 3 maybe-pulled, sliding the rod 2, rocking the crank arm l0-11, and lowering the key 4 into engagement with the squared end 8 ofthe shaft '5. A datum mark-M on the rod 2 is seen, which indicates thatthe. key 4 is in complete engagement with the. squared end 8. This sliding movement of the rod 2.

brings a pair of lugs 6 into diametrically opposite slots 6 in a collar 1. If the lugs 6 on the rod 2 are in registry with the slots- 6 the rod 2 may be pulled farther (a datum line N on the rod 2 indicating the limit of the further movement), and the shaft 5 depressed, thedepression ofthe shaft 5 releasingitand permitting of turning thereof by the key 4 to permitof the setting of the directing mechanism of the torpedo.- The turning the handlev 3 on therodQ, and the extent of rotary movement of the handle and key (and hencethe extent of movementof the torpedo directing mechanism) may be ascertained by means of a pointer 7 carried anismand suitable calibrations upon the face 7 of thesleeve 2 which turnswith the rod 2.

It isnot turn the torpedo-- governing mechanism until the key- 4 isentirely end; 8v of the shaft 5. Thisvcompletc: engagement, as explained, is indicated by the datum lines M effected when. thelugs: 6 engagev the slots 6 incollars 1 attached to the sleeve 2, and

theselugsfi only enterthe slots-6 after the The detenttmechanism T (see F igsw 7, 8

and,,9 will now be described. Thismechaby a fixed part of the mech-- in engagement with the.

and N, and the connection between the rod 2 and the sleeve 2 isonly nism permits of the stopping or positioning of torpedoes of different length in the torpedo tube B, to permit of the mechanism a of the torpedo to be in proper position axially of the tube to be engaged by the key 4 of the mechanism S. The mechanism T comprises a casing Q housing the detent F,

which projects into a slot F in the torpedo tube, and the-torpedov tube is providedwith another slot F within the casing Q, of such length as to permit the detent F at the extremitiesof the slot F 2 to engagethe stops on torpedoes of the maximum andminimum length which are intendedto be used in the tube B. Thestop Fflis preferably carried in a slide F and the position-of the stop F in. the slot F may be adjusted by means of a rod P (having an axial and a sliding movement),a gear wheel-79 fitted upon a poly onal portion 7) of the shaft P, and intermediate-pinion p ,a threaded gear wheel 79 and a threaded shaft-C attached to the slide F carry-ingthestopF. By turning the rod! P the-threaded rod C is caused to moveback and forth in thercasing, carrying with itvth-e slide F and-stop F.-

The stopFis adapted to beinoved out of engagement with a stop-on the torpedo, so as to .releasethe torpedo in firing, To this end the-.stopv F --isprovided with a stem having. a stud f thereon adapted to fit in a groove f -in a gear wheel f meshing with an intermediate gear f which meshes with a rack 7 carried by a sleeve G upon the rod P. By a sliding sleeve G is carried with it,-causing.- the rack fto' rotate the intermediate gear f iand the gear 7, the groove f of the gear 7 engaging with the stud f on thezstem f of the. stop F to raise the-stop F (or lower the stop F, as the case may. be). 7

To permitofthe adjustment of theslide f. by a turning movementof the rod P without the raising or lowering of the stop F movement of the rod P the 1 being effected, the sleeve Gr androd P are the rod P is moved correspondingly= That possible, to rotate the key .4 to" P, and-when it is desired-torelease the torpedo therodP is pulled or slid, carrying with itthe sleeve G-having the rack. 7 therea on and raising thestop. F out oftheipath of the stopon, thetorpedo, as hereinbefore, ex-. 7

plained.

The, inventlveadeasherein dlsclosed may receive other IIIGChftIllQEI-l, BXPI'BSSIQIIS, than those herein scribed.

'I claim as my invention: a

1. Apparatus for launching torpedoes, comprising a tube, and a stop adjustable longitudinally of the tube for cooperating with means on the torpedoes to position torpedoes of different dimensions in the tube.

2. Apparatus for launching torpedoes, comprising a tube, and astop adjustable longitudinally of the tube for cooperating with means on the torpedoes to position torpedoes of different dimensions in the tube, and means for displacing said stop in launching the torpedo.

3. Apparatus for launching torpedoes, comprising a tube, means for adjusting the gyroscope setting mechanism of the torpfdp, and a stop adjustable longitudinally 0- tie the torpedoes to position torpedoes of different to said 4- Apparatus for launching torpedoes, comprising a tube, and a stop adjustable longitudinally of the tube for cooperating with dimensions in the tube with respect means on the torpedoes to position torpedoes of different dimensions in thetube, means for adjusting said stop, and means for displacing said stop to release the torpedo, said displacing means having a part having a compensatory movement when said stop is adjusted.

5. Apparatus for launching torpedoes, comprising a tube, a stop for cooperating with means on the torpedoes to position torpedoes therein, and means for adjusting said stop longitudinally of the tube, said means comprising an operating rod having a rotary and a sliding movement, a slide carrying said stop, and means operated by a rotary movement of the operating rod for displacing said slide, and means for dis placing said stop to release the torpedo, said means comprising a part displaceable with said slide and adapted when operated by a sliding movement of said operating rod to displace said stop.

6. Apparatus for launching torpedoes, comprising a tube, a stop for cooperating with means on the torpedoes to position torpedoes therein, and means for adjusting said stop longitudinally of the tube, said specifically illustrated and detube for coiiperating with means onv gyroscope setting adjusting means.

rotary shaft having a.

ingly moved when said slide is moved, and means between said part and stop adapted to be operated by a sliding movement of said operating rod and part to displace said stop.

7. Apparatus for launching torpedoes, comprising a tube, a stop for cooperating with means on the torpedoes to position torpedoes therein, and means foradjusting said stop longitudinally of the tube, sai means comprising an operating rod having a rotary and a sliding movement; aslide carrying said stop, a rotary shaft having a threaded connection with said slide, gears between said operating rod and said rotary shaft for turning said rotary shaft by a turning movement of the operating rod, and means for displacing said stop to release the torpedo, said means comprising a part having a threaded connection with said operating rod and adapted to be correspondingly moved when said slide is moved, means on the slide for displacing said stop, said last named means being adapted to be operated to displace the stop for releasing the torpedo.

8. Apparatus for launching torpedoes, comprising a tube and means for adjusting the gyroscope setting mechanism of the torpedo, said means comprising a part movable into and out of engagement with said gyroscope setting mechanism, and means for moving said part into and out of the aforesaid engagement, means for turning said part, and means for rendering said means for turning automatically operative after the movement of said part into engagement with the gyroscope setting mechanism, said turning means being automatically in operative until movement of said part into engagement with the gyroscope setting mechanism.

9. Apparatus for launching torpedoes, comprising a tube and means for adjusting the gyroscope setting mechanism of the torpedo, said means comprising a part movable into and out of engagement with said gyroscope setting mechanism, an operating rod for moving said part into and out of the aforesaid engagement, and means for turning said part to operate the setting mechanism, said means being operable by a turning movement of said operating rod.

10. Apparatus for launching torpedoes, comprising a tube and means for adjusting the gyroscope setting mechanism of the torpedo, said means comprising a part movable into and out of engagementwith said gyroscope setting mechanism, an operating rod for moving said part into and out of the aforesaid engagement, and means for turning said part to operate the setting mechanism, said means being operable by a turning movement of said operating rod, and

means establishing operable connection with the operating rod after .into engagement with the said part is moved gyroscope setting mechanism.

11. Apparatus for launching torpedoes, comprising a tube, and means for adjusting the gyroscope setting mechanism oi the torpedo, said means comprising a part movable into and out of engagement with said gyroscope'setting mechanism, an operating rod having a sliding and a rotating movement, means moving said part in and out by a sliding movement of said operating rod, and means for turning said art when said operating rod is turned.

12. Apparatus for launching torpedoes, comprising a tube, and means for adjusting the gyroscope setting mechanism of the torpedo, said means comprising a part movable into and out of engagement with said gyro scope setting mechanism, an operating r0 having a sliding and a rotating movement, means moving said part in and out by a sliding movement of said operating rod, said means comprising a'crank-arm, and means for turning said part when said operating rod is turned.

13. Apparatus for launching torpedoes, comprising a tube, and means for adjusting the gyroscope setting mechanism of the torpedo, said means comprising a part movable into and out of engagement with said gyroscope setting mechanism, an operating rod having a sliding and a rotating movement, means moving said part in and out by a sliding movement of said operating rod, and

means for turning said part when said operating rod is turned, said means comprising a sleeve, and a coupling for connecting said sleeve and operating rod.

14. Apparatus for launching torpedoes, comprising a tube, and means for adjusting the gyroscope setting mechanism of the torpedo, said means comprising a part movable into and out of engagement with said gyroscope setting mechanism, an operating rod having a sliding and a rotating movement, means moving said part in and out by a sliding movement of said operating rod, said means comprising a crank-arm, and means for turning said part when said operating rod is turned, lSEIlCl means comprising a sleeve, and a coupling for connecting said sleeve and operating rod.

15. Apparatus for launching torpedoes, comprising a tube, and means for adjusting the gyroscope setting mechanism of the torpedo, said means comprising a part movable into and out of engagement with said gyroscope setting mechanism, an operating rod having a sliding and a rotating movement, means moving said part in and out by a sliding movement of said operating rod, and means for turning said part when said opertopiea of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the comprising a tube, and means for adjusting the gyroscope setting mechanism of the torpedo, said means comprising a into and out of engagement with said gyro-L scope settlng mechanism, an operating rod,

and means for turning said part when said operating rod is turned, said means comprising a sleeve, and a coupling for connecting said sleeve and operating rod, said coupling being coupled after the sliding movement of the rod has effected movement of said part into engagement with the gyroscope setting mechanism, and indicia indicating the completion of the sliding movement of said operating rod.

17 Apparatus for launching torpedoes, comprising a tube, and means for adjusting the gyroscope setting mechanism of the torpedo, said means comprising a part movable into and out of engagement with said gyroscope setting mechanism, an operating rod having a sliding and a rotating movement, means moving said part in and out by a sliding movement of said operating rod, and means for turning said part when said operating rod is turned, said means comprising a sleeve, and a coupling for connecting said sleeve and operating rod, and indicia indieating the normal angular position of said operating rod.

18. Apparatus for launching torpedoes, comprising a tube, and means for adjusting the gyroscope setting mechanism of the torpedo, said means comprising a part movable into and out of engagement with said gyro scope setting mechanism, an operating rod, and means for turning said part when said operating rod is turned, said means comprising a sleeve, and a coupling for connecting said sleeve and operating rod, said coupling being coupled after the sliding movement of the rod has effected movement of said part part movable into engagement with the gyroscope setting Inc. OESARE LAURENTI.

Witnesses:

FELIon BAZETTA, C. L. FYLEs.

fGommissioner of Patents.

Washington, D. 6. 

